Nestled in the vibrant heart of East London, Playhouse East has opened its doors, bringing with it a fresh wave of creativity and collaboration. This new arts hub, founded by the dynamic duo James Alexandrou and Avital Lvova, promises to be the go-to destination for theatre, film, music, and more.
A Space for Innovation and New Voices
Playhouse East is not just another venue; it’s a haven for new and emerging talent in the performing arts. With a 100-seat theatre and various studio spaces, this creative hub is designed to challenge traditional industry pathways by offering flexible, cost-effective options for artists. Their unique ‘pay what you can’ model for studio hire exemplifies their commitment to accessibility and inclusivity.
Meet the Visionaries
James Alexandrou, a seasoned filmmaker, writer, theatre maker, and actor known for his roles in EastEnders and The Globe, brings a wealth of experience to this venture. Alongside him is Avital Lvova, an award-winning actress and theatre maker. Together, they aim to lower the barriers to entry in the arts, supporting unfunded artists and fostering a community where creative risk and high-quality production go hand in hand.
Diverse Spaces for Every Need
Spanning 5000 sq ft, Playhouse East offers an array of spaces tailored for performing arts, TV, and film production. The ground floor features ‘The Downstairs’ café and events space, perfect for smaller performances. This floor also houses four studio spaces occupied by various creative businesses, including a commercial production company, prop makers, and sound designers.
Upstairs, ‘The Playhouse’ serves as the main theatre—a versatile 1000 sq ft space for screenings, events, workshops, and gigs. The inaugural production, “Casserole,” will run from December 12th to 20th, following a successful stint at the Arcola Theatre earlier this year. The space is also home to innovative companies like Nuevoz Post and Future Narratives Lab, adding to the eclectic mix of creative tenants.
Advanced Facilities for Complete Production
In the basement, Playhouse East features Rumble post production, a new Dolby Atmos 7.1.4-enabled dubbing theatre, and the Cellar Studio recording studio, meticulously hand-built by drummer/producer Sam Michnik. These state-of-the-art facilities ensure that Playhouse East is equipped to handle all aspects of film and theatre production, from pre- to post-production.
A Hub for Education and Community
Playhouse East is also home to Actors East, a sister company that has subsidised over 8,000 hours of studio time for unfunded individuals and companies since 2018. Through various training sessions and funded programs like Writers East, the venue supports the next generation of actors, writers, and directors.
Regular events, including new writing nights, jazz nights, cabaret, play readings, and poetry evenings, will be a staple at Playhouse East. The venue also collaborates with charity and not-for-profit organisations such as Intermission Youth, using theatre and Shakespeare to transform the lives of disadvantaged young people.
A Creative Beacon for All
James and Avital envision Playhouse East as a creative sanctuary where outstanding acting, innovative writing, and high-quality production thrive. Their mission is to build a community that embraces creative risk and ingenuity, all under one roof.
By offering a space where creativity knows no bounds, Playhouse East is set to become a cornerstone of East London’s cultural landscape. Whether you’re an artist, a supporter, or simply a lover of the arts, Playhouse East welcomes you to be a part of this exciting journey.